Trail Running Calendar East of England 2025-2026

Event overview The St Andrews Day Challenge is a timed trail event on 30 November 2025. Participants choose between a 6-hour or a 4-hour timed option and run as many laps of the circuit as they can within their chosen time. The course uses..

Tackle 26.3 miles around Colworth Estate with five scenic laps of gently undulating trail and lanes, including woodland paths and narrow sections. Friendly club facilities, cup free so bring your own bottle, 30 November in Sharnbrook.

Run a scenic 10 mile trail around Grafham Water, weaving through woodland, Dragonfly Pond and Sanctuary Bay before a final mile along the dam wall. Canicross runs in a separate wave so you can bring your dog on a lead.

Bauble Bimble at Ferry Meadows is a relaxed lap based race where you run as many 5.3 km laps as you like in your chosen time. Small field, bespoke finisher medal, aid on each lap and virtual places; bring your own bottle.

Race the Trifarm Winter 10k, the final round of a four event trail series at Trifarm near Boreham. Enjoy a mostly off road clockwise route away from the river and a championship deciding atmosphere with just 50 places available.

Join a regional colour coded orienteering event at Highwoods Country Park, Colchester on Sunday 7 December with courses for all abilities up to a 7.0 km Blue course. Enjoy woodland and grassland terrain, waterproof maps and a friendly vibe.

Take part in the Essex Vets XC Championships on 13 December 2025 in Epping Forest for a tough and scenic 8k on forest trails. Veteran races and team prizes across age groups; entries online only until 7 December.

Celebrate trail running in Thetford Forest at ZigZag's 'Twas The Run Before Christmas, a relaxed timed event on a scenic 5.3 km multi terrain loop. Pick 4 or 6 hour formats and run as many laps as you like to make 5k up to ultra distances.

Enjoy a festive half trail through Suffolk woodlands, meadows and quiet lanes on Sunday 14 December 2025. Expect an eco medal and mince pie at the finish, friendly trails and timed results in a relaxed winter race atmosphere.

Night street orienteering in Colchester on 17 December from the Berechurch Arms. Choose a 3.4 km short or 5.4 km long course, use MapRun or printed maps and hunt controls by torchlight for a fun, technical evening.

Run the Search For Santa night trail on 17 December, a 6 mile self navigation adventure with hidden Santas, chocolate and a secret clue stop that can earn time bonuses. Costumes and quirky humour are encouraged and prizes await.

Join the ZigZag 2025 Christmas Canter in Bury St Edmunds on Dec 20 for festive 5k, 10k, half, marathon or ultra on scenic rolling roads. Limited to 300 runners, it offers medals, aid stations and included parking for a cheerful festive run.

Enjoy a festive, social 12k trail from Voodoo Keller Bar to Chelmsford Brew Co with a tap room checkpoint offering a drink and a relaxed pause. Santa hat, finisher medal and post run drinks included; entries are now closed.

Join the festive Runners v Riders at Friday Woods, Colchester, where runners and cyclists battle muddy off road trails for the Markham Cup. The senior race is about 3.5 miles, with free junior sign ups on the day.

Join Pitsea Running Club for the Crown to Crown Boxing Day 5k, an upbeat off road loop through Willow Park starting and finishing at Westley Heights Country Park. A friendly community race perfect for festive miles and post Christmas fun.

Join the Layer Twixmas Trail on 28 December for a self guided 5 to 6 mile trail run around Layer de la Haye. Enjoy a Twix, hot drink and cake, optional festive fancy dress with a cash prize and dog friendly fun.

Take on a scenic 10 mile cross country through Hainault Forest with Ilford Athletic Club, three undulating laps across tracks and grass. Friendly club atmosphere, limited entries and post race prizes make it a rewarding winter challenge.

WTF Where's The Finish? is a timed multi lap event at Brandon Country Park in Thetford Forest on 11 January 2026, with four hour or six hour formats on a scenic 5.3 km gravel and grass loop. Choose your laps and collect a finisher medal.

Join the Windmill Way Wander on 17 January in Bury St Edmunds for scenic road running through quaint villages and rolling hills, with distances from 5k to ultra. Limited to 300 entries, the event offers friendly aid stations and a welcoming..

Night street orienteering in Chelmsford as part of the Essex Winter Midweek Series. Use MapRun or printed waterproof maps to tackle Long or Short courses through roads, paths and parks under torchlight for series points.